Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke acquitted by London court on bribery charges
Southwark Crown Court in London on Wednesday acquitted former Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke of five counts of accepting bribes and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The court's decision brings to an end an 11-year legal battle that began when she left Nigeria for the UK. Reacting to her acquittal, Alison-Madueke expressed gratitude to God, describing the ordeal as 'arduous' and 'traumatic' for her family, friends, and especially her 93-year-old mother in Port Harcourt and her son, who endured the stress alongside her. She maintained that she did her job 'to the best of my ability' during her tenure as minister. The case stemmed from allegations of misconduct during her time overseeing Nigeria's oil sector, part of wider investigations into corruption that led to the forfeiture of assets including $52.8 million that was repatriated to Nigeria. She has been contesting various asset forfeiture suits in UK courts, with hearings scheduled for June 30 on her motion to stop EFCC from selling off assets.